Safely Surrender in Camden

Fugitives can safely surrender Nov. 19-22 in Camden

By Jackie Morlock •Published November 19, 2008•Updated on November 24, 2008 at 8:26 am

northendwaterfront.com

When the doors opened for one church in Camden at 9:00 am Wednesday morning, over 100 fugitives were standing in line, anxiously waiting to confess to their crimes, according to an article on Philly.com.

By the end of the day Wednesday, nearly 300 fugitives had surrendered.

Whether a fugitive is wanted for non-violent offenses or violent offenses, their surrender will be looked at “favorably” by judges.

Those fugitives wanted for a non-violent offense and who have no prior history of violence will even have the chance to meet with county and municipal court officials so that they can get back into the court system. And, most likely, they’ll be able to go home that same day with a scheduled court date at a later time.

Employment assistance and counseling services by social workers and counselors will be available at the safe surrender for those fugitives who show up.

Also, efforts are being put forth by the NJSPB to help parolees and fugitives surrender find employment. NJSPB is working with businesses to see what kind of employment opportunities are available or can be developed.

The U.S. Marshals Service supported by the NJSPB and partner law enforcement agencies at the Federal, State and local levels bred the idea of a safe and surrender in Camden after it worked so well in other states.